The next generation of actors in Wales will be able to pick up tips from a Hollywood star.

Matthew Rhys is joining the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as one of its new Jane Hodge International Chairs in Drama.

His close friend Michael Sheen is already part of the scheme which sees successful members of the acting and music industry share their knowledge with students at the Cardiff-based conservatoire.

Rhys, who is from Cardiff, may now be based in New York but he returns regularly to his home city to visit family and friends and is a big supporter of emerging talent. He recently received a fellowship from the college.

“To be asked by the college to travel home and impart what my travels have taught me is an enormous honour," said the star of US TV series The Americans of his latest role.

"Having been to the college recently to accept my fellowship, I’m looking forward to coming back to Wales and working with the students.”

Other names to be appointed new chairs are Carlo Rizzi (conducting), Martin Constantine (directing), Pamela Howard (drama) and Simon Stephens (drama).

As well as Sheen, the group also already includes Simon Keenlyside (voice), John Fisher (opera), Paul Watkins (cello) and Daniel Phillips (violin).

The Jane Hodge Foundation is a grant making charity, established in 1962 by the late Sir Julian Hodge in memory of his mother.

Sir Julian had a long career in banking and finance and set up many businesses in Wales including Julian Hodge Bank Limited, which is based in Cardiff.

The Jane Hodge Foundation support a wide range of charities involved in health, education and religion, both locally, in South Wales, and across the UK.

"We are enormously grateful to the Jane Hodge Foundation for their generosity which has enabled us to appoint exceptional artists from across the world as mentors for the new generation of performers, designers and technicians training here,” said Hilary Boulding, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.